OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN: MY FIRST LGBTQ NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN

What is Out on the Mountain?

Out on the Mountain is the yearly LGBTQ+ night at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. Once 6pm hits, the park closes to the general public and it becomes one giant queer party: over 5,000 of us, some of the best roller coasters in the world, drag shows, and DJs on multiple stages. 2026 was the event's 19th year, and a portion of the proceeds supports LGBTQ+ organizations in Southern California.

And this year was my very first time.

My night: a date night with a side of screaming

I went with my boyfriend at the time (lol), and I have to say, it was the perfect romantic night out. The park was full of groups of friends who were clearly having the time of their lives, but it also worked so well as a date. The lines weren't too long, which meant you actually got to talk and connect with your person while you waited, instead of standing there for two hours scrolling your phone.

We rolled in around 7:30pm. Big mistake, and my number one lesson: get there at least an hour earlier. Six hours sounds like a lot, but once you start riding, the night flies, and I didn't get to do all the rides I wanted.

What rides should you do at Out on the Mountain?

We made it onto three of the big ones:

Goliath: the classic. The giant drop is the whole reason you go, and yes, your stomach will stay at the top.

Tatsu: the one where you ride flying, face down, like you're Superman gliding over the park. A must.

Wonder Woman Flight of Courage: my favorite of the night. I'd never been on it before, so it felt new and exciting. It's a single-rail coaster, and the track twisting through the air honestly looks like Wonder Woman's golden lasso. It's also no joke: Six Flags says it's the tallest and longest single-rail coaster on the planet, and it hits 58 mph.

The best moment of the night

My favorite moment wasn't a drop or a loop. It was holding hands during the ride. That rush of adrenaline, the screaming, whatever it is your brain does on a roller coaster, and doing it hand in hand without thinking twice about who's watching. At Out on the Mountain, everyone around you gets it. That's the magic.

Pro tip for couples: find the photobooths. They were so romantic, and they're a cute way to take the night home with you.

Who performed at Out on the Mountain 2026?

The 2026 lineup included RuPaul's Drag Race queens April Carrión and Jessica Wild, singer-songwriter MkX, and local queens Amanda Love, Ashlynn Roxx, Fernanda La Mas, Jenna Diamond and Ratt. DJs Ray Rhodes, SRO and Casey Alva played across three stages, including a Latin dance party.

Full confession: I didn't see the drag shows. I was too busy riding. I walked past the dance parties between coasters, and the energy was up, so if dancing is your thing, you'll be happy.

Does Out on the Mountain serve alcohol?

Yes, drinks were being served. And from what I saw, some people were having a little too much fun, as in sitting-on-the-ground too much fun. So pace yourself, especially before you get on a coaster that flips you upside down.

Is Out on the Mountain worth it?

Absolutely. I got the $74 general admission ticket, and it was worth every penny. Free parking was included, and the lines were short enough that I didn't feel like I needed VIP. If you want to ride as much as possible, though, the $160 VIP ticket with front-of-line access could be worth it.